Johor Education Dept denies ordering Thiruvalluvar statue removal

 

The Johor Education Department today denied ordering the removal of Indian philosopher Thiruvalluvar's statue from all Tamil vernacular schools in the state.

This came after the issue went viral on social media and sparked a controversy, especially among the state's Indian community.

In a statement, state education director Hanafi Samad said they have not issued any such instruction.

"The Johor Education Department wishes to inform that we have never issued such an instruction.

"The state education director will hold an engagement session with all stakeholders soon to explain this issue.

"All education officers in the state are reminded to be more sensitive towards issues involving religions and our multicultural society to protect the peace and harmony of all education institution communities," he said.

The issue arose after a circular, allegedly issued by the Segamat District Education Office, started going viral on social media recently.

It stated that the construction of sculptures or statues in schools is not permitted without the approval of the Education Ministry's Registrar of Educational Institutions.

Malaysiakini has sighted a copy of the alleged letter, which bore the signature of Segamat district education officer Abdul Rahman Kechik.

According to the letter, the district education office had allegedly received information about plans to erect sculptures or monuments in schools within the district.

"However, based on references to the Johor Education Department and the Education Ministry's rules and regulations, applications to erect any replica or monument are in violation of the Education Act 1996 (Act 550, Section 83)," said the letter, which was circulated to all schools in the Segamat district.

Although the letter did not specifically mention the sculptures and monuments involved, it is believed to be referring to the statue of Thiruvalluvar that was recently built at a Tamil school in the Segamat district.

The Segamat education office also reminded schools that any breach of instructions, acts, circulars, or guidelines could result in action under the Public Officers (Conduct and Discipline) Regulations 1993.

‘Revoke directive’

The Malaysia Hindudharma Maamandram organisation had described the directive as inappropriate, culturally insensitive, and potentially sparking racial tension.

Its president, Rishikumar Vadivelu, said the statue is not a religious object of worship, but represents the cultural heritage and identity of the Indian community in Malaysia.

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"The act of removing the statue may create feelings of marginalisation, discrimination, and injustice among the Indian community.

"We urge the Johor Education Department and the Education Ministry to intervene and immediately revoke the directive if it exists,” he said.

The organisation also suggested that an open dialogue be held with stakeholders of Tamil vernacular schools concerned before any culturally sensitive decision is made in the future.

Thiruvalluvar is the author of Thirukkural, a renowned literary work. He is a globally respected moral and literary figure, and his statues are placed in nearly all Tamil vernacular schools in the country as a symbol of the aspiration for knowledge and ethical values.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim often quotes the Thirukkural in his speeches, especially when presenting the budget in Parliament. - Mkini